The Underground Orchestra

A violinist who deserted the army—once a musician with the Bosnian National Opera—recounts how his new life literally began underground: as a musician in the Paris metro. He is one of many who fled their country and now get by in the French capital with their music, often playing at an accomplished level.

The Underground Orchestra, now in a restored version, follows a number of these musicians in the metro, on stairways and in tunnels, and also to their often cramped lodgings. Among them are a philosophical Venezuelan harpist, a Zairian pop musician, a Romanian family and a charismatic trio that wins applause from the Parisian metro audience. Some of the musicians struggle with discrimination, disillusionment or memories of torture. All share the feeling of being uprooted.

Heddy Honigmann (1951-2022), herself born in Peru as the child of Jewish refugees, shows the people behind migration and how they enrich the city. The result is a richly textured portrait of exile, resilience and the inestimable value of music.